Five AFL-listed stars will return to the VFL action this Friday when the Pies take on St Kilda at La Trobe University. 

First-year star Sam Swadling will play after spending the past five weeks at AFL level, while Jack Buller and Harry DeMattia return alongside Tew Jiath and Iliro Smit who have recovered from injuries.

Harry Kennedy, Ben De Bolfo, Taj Woewodin, Liam Hude and Michael Lewis all go out of the side.

It is the Pies' first VFL game since beating North Melbourne by 43 points on 10 July, having observed the bye last week.

The Pies have had a strong second half of the season, winning three out of their past five games and will be boosted significantly by this week's inclusions. 

The Saints sit 13th on the ladder in what is their first season as a standalone VFL side, having parted ways with Sandringham over the off-season.